‘Testis in a dish’: Establishing an in vitro System to Model the Testis

The testis has two main functions: allow and support spermatogenesis, and produce hormones. The testes are composed of several cell types, which organize in a specific manner into two distinct compartments: the seminiferous tubules and the interstitium. The seminiferous tubules compartment is composed of germ cells and Sertoli cells, which are known to nurture and support the germ cells. These tubules are wrapped by peritubular myoid cells that secrete Extra Cellular Matrix proteins. The interstitial compartment, located outside the seminiferous tubules, is composed of Leydig cells which secrete hormones, endothelial cells, and immune cells.

Problems in the process of sex determination, during embryonic development, lead to Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) which is a chromosomal, anatomic, or phenotypic divergence from the normal state. Furthermore, problems at later stages of testis development and function can cause male infertility, with a prevalence of 1 in 15 men which suffers from infertility.

Organoids are 3D multicellular structures that are usually made up of embryonic or adult stem cells aimed to mimic their corresponding in vivo organ. Organoids have great potential for studying organogenesis and developmental biology due to their self-organizing properties.

Here we aim to develop testicular organoids from neonatal pups that recapitulate the structure and function of the testis by exploring a variety of materials and scaffolding systems to find the ideal 3D method to culture testicular cells for the generation of testicular organoids. This work can allow to explore Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) as well as male infertility.